Hello everyone and thank you for being such loyal readers on my blog that seems to have taken a back row seat!!

Just to let you know I’ve started a fabulous new blog to replace this one. It’s easier to manage and will allow me more opportunity to fuel my fashion habit.

Chic & Savvy Style: www.chicsavvystyle.blogspot.com

I love my new site! Not only is it sassy & stylish but a bit less intense and more focused on specific day to day fashion dilemmas.

As always…write me with your style questions & comments! Be sure to bookmark: Chic & Savvy Style

Ciao’

Chic & Savvy Style

PS. Savvy Style will remain in place for you to use as a reference…but it won’t be updated.

Simplicity Rules: The look right now is all about understated elegance – Max Azaria

Fashion forward stylists and designers continue to return to simple clean lines with varying touches of elegance. These touches may come from a belt, jewel, bag, shoe or cardigan.

The key to looking elegant – keep your selections simple but not understated. Your personality should still be evident in the choices that you make for your outfit. By adding a retro belt, bright bag, sky high stilettos, luxe jewel or vintage scarf your look will remain simple but still stylish.

Savvy Solutions: For Spring Simplicity

• Bold Color Bracelet or Necklace

 BananaRepublic   BananaRepublic

• Dressy Strappy Wedge

 ASOS

• Knit Cardigan – Lightweight Blend

 UrbanOutfitters 

• Exotic Python Tote

 ASOS     ShopSueyBoutique

Savvy Suggestions:

• Organic Colors – Jasmine, Basil & Grape
• High Waisted Trousers
• Striking Color Selections – Gray replaces Black
• Solid Brights & Colorful Prints – Pair Yellow with Gray
• Tailored Silhouettes
• Sheer Organza
• Layer – Cardigans, jackets or boyfriend blazers over dresses
• Tailored Trouser with a fitted sweater
• Thin Belts

Remember simple doesn’t mean boring.  Select accent pieces that exude your personal style.  Add one piece to your outfit – this will keep your overall look simple whilst fabulous!

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’

Traveling to ware off winter time blues can lead to a Fashion Dilemma:

Pack & Grab Fiasco!

Packing for any destination can be simple if you remember the basics & select Key Pieces. Stylish looks can be assembled by mixing your Key Pieces with 1 or 2 Trendy Pieces to give your look a pop. A great scarf can be tied bulky for day and gently draped around the neck for night or removed completely. Your favorite coat becomes an accessory for layering & polishing off your look. 

Savvy Suggestions:

• Gabardine or Lightweight Wool pack nicely & wrinkles will be minimum
• Jersey top &/or dress provides a lightweight option for layering
• Keep accessories simple & classic
• Shoes should be functional for day & fashionable for night – limit 2-3 pair

Must-Have

• Trouser & Blazer: Black, Gray or Navy – Match
• Jean: Straight Leg Dark Wash – works well with black & can pass as trousers for night
• Turtleneck: Black or Camel – Layer under a blazer or wear alone at night with heels & jean
• White Blouse: layer during the day & dress up for night
• Coat: 3/4 can be layered during the day & dressed up at night
• Trendy Top: Select one trendy top – your favorite that is ultra flattering for that night out on the town

Savvy Selections:

Key Pieces:

       

Trendy Pieces:

        

Keep looks simple & fashionable by mixing colors & layering. 

Dress for you…not your destination!

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’

The white shirt is the new little black dress – Zac Posen

Crisp white shirts are a mainstay and essential for every stylish wardrobe. Classically stylish the white shirt can be paired with anything….jeans, trousers or skirts.

Savvy Selections

MangoShop

     

$33.99               $43.99               $28.99

Victoria’sSecret

     

$29.00                  $39.00               $33.99

Gap

$34.99

LaRedoute

$19.99

Sheer fabrics, pleating, puff sleeves, neck ties & tuxedo inspired styling make the modern twist on the classic white a shirt a definite must-have for your Wardrobe Essentials List!

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’

Ruffles, bows, pleats & frills cascaded down the runway during New York Fashion Week showcasing designs & upcoming trends for RTW Spring 2008. 

Designers….Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli, Lanvin, Michael Kors, Phillip Lim, Ralph Lauren, Temperley & Burberry all created exceptional designs for Spring Looks.

Strategically placed ruffles, pleats & bows were paired with suits, skirts, tops and gowns. Varying textures & fabrics allow this trend to easily incorporate with existing Key Pieces in your wardrobe.

VOGUE 2008 Hotlist Revealed: 

FASHION TRENDS

The ruff is the fashion detail of the season; pleat it, frill it, fold it, just make sure you pull it off with Elizabethan attitude.

Go bold and loud with exaggerated embellishment or keep it clean and chic with a minimalist take on the trend.

Savvy Selections:

 ASOS 

$57.03   

BananaRepublic 

$59.00   

JustSweet

$89.00    $49.99

OldNavy 

$24.50   $26.50   $29.50

$14.50

Target 

$31.49  

Forever21 

$19.80    $16.00   $22.80

UrbanOutfitters

$58.00    $29.99   $58.00

Gap

$59.50    $44.50

$49.50

Victoria’sSecret

$39.00

Rampage

$34.00

AnnTaylorLoft

$49.00   $44.00   $36.00

$34.99

Overstock

$99.99

Savvy Styling:

• Wear any of the Savvy Selections with suits, jeans, trousers or other Key Pieces
• Trade Basic White Blouse for one with Ruffles or Bow Waist
• Update Pencil Skirt with a Pleated or Ruffled Skirt (preferably keeping pleats & ruffles at bottom for more figure flattering looks)
• Mix feminine with masculine: pair your bows and ruffles with a Moto-Style Jacket or Leather Bomber Jacket
• Menswear Inspired Trousers look fabulous paired with sheer tops or chiffon
• Simple & Elegant: Select ONE piece to update an overall look or suit….Don’t wear head to toe Ruffles & Bows

Savvy Suggestions:

• Have fun with Trendy Pieces…keep shopping simple by adding only one or two new pieces such as a white blouse & ruffled hem skirt
• Trends fade but style is eternal…so keep selections classic
• Dress for you…not the latest fashion magazine
• Add accessories such as a ruffled or pleated handbag or a shoe with a bow rather than an article of clothing
• Only select pieces that will work with your Key Pieces to keep from appearing as if you are trying too hard
• Always shop & dress as if you are going to have your photograph taken…don’t wear anything you will regret later

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’

Mix & Match: Straight Leg Jean

  JBrand 805 Ink Wash   JBrand 805 Black

A mainstay for any stylish wardrobe is a straight leg jean in a clean dark wash that can be dressed up or down. If purchased in Black pair them with dressier tops & heels and they pass as trousers.

Mix & Match: Savvy Selections

Ink Wash Mix: Brown Tweed, Classic White Blouse & Red Car Coat

     

Black Wash Mix: White Wrap top, Black Ribbon Belted Jacket & Menswear Patent

       

Ink Wash Mix: Chic striped shoe, 3Q Turtleneck, Classic Toggle Coat

     

Black Wash Mix: Satin Ruffle top, Faux Fur Collar Car Coat, Luxe Jewels & Suede Pumps

          

Ink Wash Mix: Basic White Blouse, White Jacket w/Black Trim & Black Patent  

       

Black Wash Mix: Black Turtleneck & Tan Leather Crop Trench

     

Ink Wash Mix: Scarf Tie Blouse, Black Vest (leave open), Menswear Pumps & Gray Patent

     

Ink Wash Mix: Plaid Peacoat & Basic White Tee – Mix up with a pop of color such as a Cobalt Pashmina or Cobalt Mary Jane’s – Polish the look with Pewter Bag

         

Style Thoughts:

• Use accessories as an inspiration for mixing colors
• Black & Brown look fabulous together
• Mix feminine tops with masculine jackets
• Color is chic…use opposites on the color wheel for added pop
• Dress up your jeans…a great fit & sexy stilettos make a stylish combination every time
• Keep lines simple & tailored for dressier styling

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’

Savvy Site: ASOS

Savvy Selection: Handbags

 $45.62

 $50.18

 $34.22

 $41.06

 $57.03

All in the details…metallic snake, twisted handles, large buckle, woven leather & sleek patent shopper make all of these bags unique and exceptionally stylish!

All priced under $100 so if you want more than one…indulge without the guilt!

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’ 

Every girl’s must have in her wardrobe: The Perfect Little Black Dress!

Fashion editors, designers, stylists, models & socialites all agree a ‘mainstay must-have is a little black dress’. In reality the perfect little black dress often becomes a mere desire due to the dauting shopping and selection fiasco of the ever coveted garment.

Fabric selection, fit, style & seasonal trends all play a role in acquiring this perfect dress. Typically this selection process plays out the scene of real women running from the mall or boutique empty handed & more discouraged with shopping. Returning home to stand in their closet, arms crossed and stare lethargically at their wardrobe. Only left to compile a random outfit or grab the same old dress AGAIN!

Savvy Selections

AnnTaylorLoft $69.00

ASOS $50.18

VictoriasSecret $49.00          $85.00

                  

Forever21 $17.80

Macy’s $89.25

MangoShop $38.99     $33.99       

        

MangoShop $75.99     $33.99

         

MangoShop $46.99       $33.99

             

JustSweet $44.99

FamousStyle $58.99

Savvy Advice:

• Dress down: with tights & peep toe pumps
• Dress up: with strappy stilletos
• Mix feminine with masculine – throw on your black leather jacket, ankle boots or menswear inspired pumps
• Day to Night: cardigan or fitted blazer at work – replace with fur shrug or just show off your shoulders
• Pop of color: Tie on a scarf or carry a creative handbag in a bold color

Wardrobe Journal: Little Black Dress – check!

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’

Strumming through my closet and the latest issue of People Style Watch I began to think of the fabrics most of my wadrobe consists of whilst paying particular attention to my Key Pieces.  In their latest issue a special feature was dedicated to Fabric Selection which I found particularly inspiring!

Fabric Basics for Seasonless Dressing

• Essentials: Start with wool gabardine, cotton broadcloth, jersey, lightweight silk and denim. Light to medium fabrics allow for easy layering.
• Tailored pieces: Select wool gabardine rather than velvet
• Dresses: Go jersey and avoid chiffon or brocade.
• Knits: Slim rib knits will be more versatile than chunky cable

Styles

• Dresses: Simply shaped dresses can be layered in cooler temperatures or worn alone during warmer months
• Tops: Roomier silhouettes that can accommodate a knit underneath.
• Jackets: 3/4Q cropped & fitted – easy layering now and worn over jersey tee in warmer months
• Accessories: Neutrals, Metallics, and Skins in fun shapes
• Shoes: Peep toes and round toes look as good with tights or trouser socks (under pants) as bare legs

Apply these concepts:

1. Select Key Pieces
2. Let simple elegance be a theme or guide whilst shopping &/or selecting pieces 
3. Use inspiration as a fashion plate for mixing & matching amongst your closet
4. Intermingle a variety of textures and colors to prevent boredom
5. Fabric should be basic to allow for seasonless dressing

Suiting shouldn’t become difficult nor should dressing for daily life. Closet rotation is certainly a habit you can forgo if you incorportate Key Pieces with Seasonless Fabrics. 

Simply stated: Classic is definitely chic!

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’

Suiting is no longer limited to just a classic trouser or skirt and traditional blazer. Toss your blazer aside and opt for a fitted cardigan, 3Q crop jacket or menswear inspired vest. Simple mixing amongst Key Pieces provides stylish looks without appearing too trendy.

Savvy Selections

•  MangoShop   Earth tone color with intricate detailing fitted cardigan: mix with gray & brown

•  MangoShop  Cropped styling & 3Q sleeves allow for easy layering: mix with black, brown or gray suits. Layer with: blouses, turtlenecks or high collar tops in a variety of colors: french blue, white, red, jewel tones or black.

•    OldNavy  Traditional in style but satin fabric makes this blazer a must have for mixing up the simple suit. Mix with: more traditional fabrics steer clear from mixing too many textures. Stick with oxford blouses, turtlenecks, cashmere or knit tops.

•   Forever21  Covered buttons and crop sleeves give this little jacket high class appeal. The high collar add another great feature which works well with blouses, turtlenecks, or jewel or scoop neck tops. Mix with: black, brown or navy suits.

•   Express  Geo Jacquard texture and 1 button styling offer a dressier version of the typical 3Q crop jacket. Layer with: Longer blouses, tunics, satin blouses or dresses. Mix with: black, navy, brown or grey suits.

•  BananaRepublic  Shrug styling and wool blend fabric keep traditional & classic stylish. Mix with: gray, brown, navy or black suits. Layer with: white, jewel tones, navy, camel or black.

•  Forever21  Tuxedo Vest with tapered fitting offers a menswear inspired style with a feminine look. Layer with: Blouses, tie neck tops or turtlenecks – ensure tops are fitted or the vest will cause bunching under the arms. Mix with: black, gray or navy suits.

•  Express  Black Shrug offers a casual yet sophisticated twist from the typical suit blazer. Layer with: Anything in your closet including dresses. Mix with: black, gray, brown, or navy suits.

Select a few ways to switch up your typical look of suiting….basic is no longer boring! Add a pop of color, textured fabric or fitted cardigan for a stylish and tailored look.

Suits are no longer stuffy & the blazer is definitely optional!

Savvy Shopping!

Ciao’